Former Sena (UBT) leader Tejasvee Ghosalkar’s new challenge with the BJP

But today, as Tejasvee goes door to door, campaigning for the upcoming civic election; with folded hands she urges voters to support her by selecting the Lotus symbol. She is contesting from ward 2 of R North ward of BMC which covers Dahisar East area, a predominantly residential locality for middle-class families; where the undivided Shiv Sena’s candidate Sheetal Mhatre was elected corporator during 2017 civic polls; who is presently associated with Shiv Sena Eknath Shinde faction. For BMC polls 2026, Dhanashree Kolge, a first time corporator candidate from Shiv Sena (UBT) is contesting against Tejasvee in ward 2.

Although Tejasvee enjoyed considerable sympathy in her original ward – ward number 1 of R North of BMC, following her husband’s death; the seat went under reserved category for 2026 BMC polls, making it evident that she would not receive a ticket there. Now contesting from the adjacent ward number 2, with a new party association; Tejasvee has begun her campaigning – focusing on door-to-door meetings with voters – housing societies during the day and slums in the evening, along with her supporters from her home turf mixed with long-time BJP workers from ward number 2.

Tejasvee said that she joined BJP because her vision of development resonates with the party’s vision. “People have already seen the work me and Abishek have done in ward 1 for so many years in the past. Now after winning here, I am confident of being able to do more than that for ward 2, especially with an MLA and MP from the area belonging to the same party,” said Tejasvee further adding that redevelopment of residential buildings, creating parks, developing theatres, completing development works are going to be her top priority apart from various issues raised by residents during her door-to-door campaigning.

In times when family groups are divided over political debates, according to Tejasvee, the Ghosalkar family has been successful in keeping home and politics separate. “At home we are a family. Outside we are loyal to the party we represent. Politics and family are two separate things,” said Tejasvee. On her father-in-law’s reaction to her switch, she added, “He was of the opinion that I should not go. I too first had a similar opinion after working in ward 1 for so long as a family. But I have to focus on the development of the area and the future of my kids. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been supportive and has personally enquired about the ongoing campaign. Nobody has done so much for me.”

Speaking about her brother-in-law, who is contesting from ward 7 in the same area, Tejasvee, said that she is not closely tracking his campaign. “We both reach home so late, tired after the day’s campaigning. We do not get time to discuss politics at home,” she said, right after grabbing a quick bite of a Laddu, at the premises of a residential building in Dahisar’s Anand Nagar area where she was campaigning.

Acknowledging a mixed supporter base from her previous Shiv Sena followers and her new BJP supporters, Tejasvee said that she has taken conscious efforts to resolve resentments.

“It is a fact that some workers were upset when I came here and got the ticket. I listened to their concerns and most of the issues are resolved. After all, elections are most important and all of us are working toward the same goal of development,” she said further adding that this election will be a huge challenge for her with a new party and new ward, “But I have accepted it with zest. Life after Abhishek’s death has not been easy. It is the party workers and local citizens who have helped me rebuild myself. And I believe this support will continue,” added Tejasvee.